Healthy Living

How to Manage Parenting Stress While Battling Lung Cancer

March 16, 2025March 17, 2025 Erin Sluka

A lung cancer diagnosis can bring up heavy emotions that can be daunting to accommodate as a parent. Add this to parenting responsibilities, and you may feel like your world is crumbling down. After a lung cancer diagnosis, you may wonder how to cope with your emotions, juggling work, family, and other important life commitments.

While it may not be common, many other parents like you got diagnosed in their early years of parenting and have learned how to balance emotions during their toughest moments. Below, we’ll look at some effective tips on how to manage the parenting stress that arises during a cancer diagnosis.

Talk to Your Children About Your Condition

The first time talking about your lung cancer diagnosis with your children will certainly be a challenging moment. There’s a battle of anxiety and fear going on in you, trying to convince you to keep it to yourself, at least to protect them from the big change knocking. But there’s also the desire to let everything out early so they can learn to plan their lives around yours, at least for the duration you’ll be undergoing treatment.

Whichever the case, talking to your children is always a great step toward achieving a less stressful parenting period while battling cancer. It prepares them for any changes and helps them understand when you’re unable to be present in every aspect of their lives as you used to be.

Embrace Activities That Make You Joyful

You don’t want to spend your treatment days thinking too much about the diagnosis and the impossibilities that create themselves in your mind. Rather, this is the best time to enjoy your favorite games, books, the company of friends, and good, healthy meals, among other activities. While you may not be able to perform all your hobbies as best you know, you can adjust how you do them to achieve maximum satisfaction without straining too much.

If you find a kids’ show you enjoy watching with your kids, this is the best time to do it together for stronger bonding and to bring everyone together. Finding activities that bring you joy and working with your hands doing arts and similar activities can distract the emotional part of your brain.

Create Time for Yourself

In the early days of your diagnosis, you may feel overwhelmed by the demands of the disease and family all coming at you in successive blows. In these moments, creating time for yourself can help you rest more often, follow through with your medical prescriptions effectively, and do the things that keep you relaxed.

You don’t want to spend most of your time crying or doing the things that stretch your emotions and physical energy to the limits. Always prioritize your body over the chores you can push to some other time, like doing the dishes, ironing, or dusting the cabinets.

Join a Community

A community of parents going through a similar challenge can be helpful for encouragement and support. When you meet and talk about your challenges and worries, you may find people who have gone through the same predicaments and worked their way out. You can borrow their tips to improve your condition and live a stress-free life during your treatment.

Parenting stress during a cancer diagnosis can be a real struggle for many parents. However, by implementing these tips, you can enjoy a less demanding parenting journey during your lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Ways to Share Your Faith Positively and Respectfully

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025 Erin Sluka

Introduction to Faith Sharing

Faith sharing is a deeply personal journey and a profound way to express one’s beliefs. Many find it fulfilling to discuss their spiritual path, drawing connections with others on similar quests. However, the challenge lies in ensuring these exchanges are respectful and non-intrusive. The key is to approach such conversations with sincerity and genuine curiosity. Joining like-minded communities, such as an evangelical church Kansas City, can provide an enriching environment to practice and refine these interactions. By fostering honest dialogues, you invite others to share their experiences, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Evangelical churches in Kansas City are diverse, offering a range of worship styles, from contemporary to traditional, while staying rooted in the core principles of evangelical Christianity. These churches are dedicated to biblical teaching, evangelism, and community service, striving to create a positive impact both locally and globally. Many evangelical congregations in the city also focus on outreach programs, providing support to those in need through initiatives like food pantries, mission trips, and youth mentoring.

Understanding Appropriate Contexts

Faith touches on every facet of life, influencing decisions, morals, and relationships. Recognizing the right moment to delve into such discussions is crucial. Conversations about spirituality should weave naturally into dialogue rather than being shoehorned into conversations. Events like family gatherings, community events, or casual meet-ups often present golden opportunities to discuss faith without seeming forced. For instance, when someone shares a personal challenge, it’s a sensitive moment to offer insights stemming from your beliefs. This approach not only respects the natural flow of conversation but also enriches it, offering genuine comfort and perspective.

Being a Good Listener

A conversation about faith is most fruitful when both parties feel heard and understood. Being a good listener shows respect and openness to others’ viewpoints. Active listening—where you attentively process, interpret and respond thoughtfully to what the other person says—is essential. By practicing active listening, you demonstrate respect for the speaker and signify that their opinions are valued, which can lead to more meaningful exchanges. A study on active listening suggests that skills like providing feedback and withholding immediate judgment are pivotal in fostering constructive dialogue. Engaging with these principles not only enriches your understanding but often inspires others to reciprocate with the same level of attention.

Show, Don’t Tell

In many aspects of life, actions often make a more lasting impression than words. By living according to the principles of your faith, you’re more likely to inspire curiosity and admiration in others. Your actions—filled with kindness, compassion, and integrity—become a testament to your beliefs. Such behavior often speaks louder than quoting religious texts or doctrines. When people see you embodying the values you espouse, their interest is piqued naturally, prompting questions and discussions about the source of your guidance. This method subtly helps you share your faith without appearing didactic or overbearing.

Share Personal Stories

Storytelling is a universally appreciated method of communication—one that naturally humanizes and personalizes experiences. By sharing compelling personal narratives about how your faith has shaped or supported you, you invite others into your world. Stories are powerful because they resonate on an emotional level, cultivating a deeper connection and understanding between individuals. A report from The New York Times emphasizes that storytelling can significantly enhance relationships, making it an invaluable tool in faith sharing. These narratives open the door to empathy and can profoundly influence others’ perceptions and encourage them to reflect on their spiritual journeys.

Respect Different Beliefs

Engaging in discussions about faith requires a respectful acknowledgment of different beliefs. Diversity in religious thought enriches communities and broadens personal horizons. Recognizing and respecting these differences is crucial to fostering a harmonious dialogue. By showing respect and genuine interest in understanding others’ spiritual perspectives, you not only honor their journey but also build a foundation of trust. This doesn’t mean compromising your values but rather demonstrating that respectful disagreement is possible and productive.

Utilize Social Media Thoughtfully

Social media is a powerful tool that can amplify your voice and reach millions with a single post. However, when sharing faith-based content, it’s important to proceed with caution and intentionality. Your posts should promote positivity and inclusivity, steering clear of debates that rarely change minds but often lead to conflict. Instead, focus on disseminating uplifting messages that can act as conversation starters offline. Thoughtfully curated content that highlights the compassionate, altruistic aspects of your faith can inspire curiosity and invite more profound, meaningful in-person discussions.

Encourage Open Questions

Creating a space where open dialogue is encouraged can transform a simple conversation into a meaningful exchange. Inviting questions about your faith and being willing to answer them openly fosters a climate of trust and openness. Encouraging curiosity shows that you are confident in your beliefs and interested in helping others understand them. This kind of dialogue not only allows others to explore at their own pace but also emphasizes that seeking understanding is valued and welcomed. This openness can demystify misconceptions and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse faith paths.

Conclusion: Making Faith Sharing a Positive Experience

Sharing your faith, when done thoughtfully and with respect, can enrich both your life and the lives of those you engage with. It’s about creating a warm, welcoming space for dialogue where expressions of faith are natural, not forced. By focusing on understanding, listening, storytelling, and respect, you weave your beliefs into the fabric of everyday life seamlessly. This not only inspires others to be curious and reflect on their spiritual paths but also provides a foundation of genuine connection and mutual enrichment.

Healthy Living, Home

Improving Indoor Air Quality: Practical Tips and Insights

January 2, 2025August 10, 2025 Erin Sluka

Clean Air — Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash

Enhancing indoor air quality involves reducing pollutants through regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and using air purifiers. Maintaining HVAC systems and changing filters ensure efficient airflow. Incorporating houseplants and minimizing chemical use further improves air health. Consistent efforts create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment, promoting well-being and comfort for occupants.

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality in Delray Beach, Florida, can be significantly improved by being aware of home practices, such as using fewer sprays and artificial scents. With people spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, whether at home, work, or school, ensuring that the air in these environments is free from pollutants is crucial. The growing concerns about air pollution have spurred interest in indoor air quality services in Delray Beach, FL, which focus on identifying and eliminating potential air quality issues before they impact health.

Indoor air quality is crucial for long-term health benefits, as it reduces pollutants, promotes proper ventilation, and maintains optimal humidity levels. Health problems like headaches, exhaustion, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular disorders can be brought on by poor air quality. Therefore, understanding and maintaining a healthy indoor environment is essential.

Familiar Sources of Indoor Pollution

Indoor air pollution can originate from diverse sources commonly found within everyday settings. Dust and pet dander are frequently identified as significant contributors to indoor pollutants. Besides, everyday household products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leading to further degradation of indoor air quality. These include cleaning supplies, paints, and air fresheners, which can emit harmful chemicals over time.

Furthermore, pollutants often enter homes and offices from outdoor environments. In Delray Beach, FL, vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and pollen can enter indoor spaces through open windows, doors, and ventilation pathways. Recognizing these familiar sources of indoor pollution can help establish practices to mitigate their effects and improve the overall quality of indoor air.

Hidden Contributors to Indoor Air Pollution

Appliances often overlooked in indoor air-quality discussions can quietly add to indoor pollutants over time. Washing machines, for example, can harbor mold, mildew, and detergent residue that release musty odors and airborne particles. Running a specialized washing machine cleaner once every few weeks stops this buildup, keeping the appliance from becoming a hidden contamination source. The same principle applies elsewhere: monthly dishwasher descaling tablets help remove mineral deposits that breed bacteria, while a quick pass with a food-grade refrigerator-coil cleaner prevents dust-laden coils from circulating warmed particulates back into the room. Together, these simple steps keep multiple household workhorses from feeding pollutants into your living space and support a consistently fresher, healthier home environment.

Practical Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Improving indoor air doesn’t require sweeping lifestyle changes. Simple steps can significantly enhance the cleanliness of the air inside your home or office. Regular cleaning, including vacuuming with a HEPA filter, can help reduce dust and dander accumulation. Additionally, opting for natural cleaning products reduces exposure to harmful chemicals in many conventional cleaners.

Another easy and effective solution is incorporating houseplants into your indoor spaces. Plants like spiders, snakes, and peace lilies act as natural air purifiers. According to NASA’s research on plants and air quality, these plants can absorb toxins, reduce carbon dioxide levels, and increase humidity through transpiration, naturally producing cleaner air.

Technologies and Tools for Monitoring Air Quality

Technological advancements have made it easier than ever to monitor indoor air quality. Air quality monitors and sensors can detect pollutants, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. These devices provide real-time feedback, enabling users to correct hazardous conditions promptly.

Smart home technology can further automate maintaining indoor air quality. Integrating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems makes regular maintenance warnings, filtration, and intelligent airflow management possible. These technologies contribute to healthier air and enhance overall energy efficiency in the home or workplace setting.

Benefits of Maintaining Good Indoor Air

Maintaining high indoor air quality has several advantages beyond enhancing well-being. Health benefits include significantly reducing allergy and asthma symptoms and lowering the risk of long-term respiratory diseases. Sleep problems and cognitive impairments have been associated with poor indoor air quality. Hence, improved air quality can lead to better sleep patterns and enhanced concentration and productivity.

From an economic standpoint, cleaner indoor air can lead to fewer days missed from work and school due to illness, thereby boosting productivity. Additionally, lower healthcare expenses associated with respiratory and other related health issues suggest another compelling reason to focus on maintaining optimal indoor air.

Addressing Indoor Air Quality in Different Environments

Residential Spaces

Maintaining good IAQ in homes is essential for residents’ health and comfort. Airborne particle levels can be considerably decreased by adopting easy measures such as employing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and maintaining ventilation systems regularly. Indoor air quality in Delray Beach, Florida, can be significantly improved by being aware of home practices, such as using fewer sprays and artificial scents.

Commercial Spaces

IAQ is equally critical in offices and commercial spaces, affecting employees’ health and productivity. A well-implemented HVAC system, which includes regular upkeep and incorporates air filtration systems, can effectively mitigate IAQ concerns. Professional services that provide regular inspections and incorporate advanced filtration technologies can aid in maintaining an optimal work environment.

Expert Opinions and Research

Numerous studies and expert opinions highlight the significance of improving indoor air quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) ‘s comprehensive report on indoor air quality improvements emphasizes clean air’s critical role in reducing global disease burdens. Investing in better air quality practices reduces risks associated with health issues, thus underscoring its importance.

Conclusion

In sum, the focus on indoor air quality is more important than ever. By taking proactive steps like regular cleaning, using technology to monitor and enhance air conditions, and incorporating natural aids like plants, we can actively improve indoor air quality. These efforts protect health and enhance the quality of life for all who inhabit indoor spaces, making it a priority for healthier, happier living.

Beauty, Healthy Living, Home, Travel

Best products for 2025 – Home, Fitness, Travel and Beauty

December 31, 2024January 11, 2025 Erin Sluka

Not typical form a recap of the past years best products, is a post like this that starts today and grows throughout 2025! Things change fast and new products emerge each day. What was popular January 2024 may be a past fad by now. I wanted to start a pst that I have pinned on my sidebar and shared often that I add to as I find some favorite products.

Home – products that fit all aesthetics and are made from clean ingredients
Fitness – products to help you get and stay motivated and offer great comfort or results
Travel – the products that make travel easy and stress-free
Beauty – Clean ingredients and that they actually provide satisfying results

Come back often to find products I have added and even ones I update with any new notes!

HOME

Fitness

NORTHYARD Sleeveless Workout Tank Top

This tank from NORTHYARD is great for lifting, walking and even on a run. From tanks to joggers, I love the styles from this brand! I love the design. The ties on the side adjust the top length. It holds moisture so my skin doesn’t have to.

Travel

Beauty

Crepe Erase from Body Firm

This body repair treatment from The Body Firm is used to help with the crepe skin. I use this on my neck and arms and it is my favorite body cream! Results happen within the first week and with no greasy residue. I gave it 4.5 stars simply because results truly happen when you use it twice a day rather than once a day and 2x a day can be tough for me on consistent use. The results are close to a 5 star! $84 for 10oz and a little goes a long way!